Question

Name the agents responsible for transportation of soil.

Answer 1

Transported soils form from weathered material deposits, which are transported by natural forces to a new site, away from the site of origin. The type of transport soil is determined by the agent, such as wind, water, ice or snow, that assists in its transportation. Several types of transported soils exists, including colluvial, alluvial, glacial and aeolian. Colluvial soil is transported by gravity. Alluvial soil is moved by running water. Glacial soil is formed from the interaction of ice and snow. Heavy ice masses push glacial soils from one place to another. Aeolian soil is moved by wind. This soil can be classified into dunes or loess.